Under the Influence

California culture wields an enormous influence on the rest of the United States and indeed the world. In this fascinating book Monica Ganas, a lifelong Californian and veteran of the stage and screen, explores the hypnotic effect of the Golden State. With a witty style and loads of interesting stories, she offers an insider''s critique of California culture and shows how Christians can respond to its pervasive influence.

According to Ganas, we are intoxicated by a belief system that she calls "California-ism." This belief system drives our worldview and our choices in every area of life. After considering California''s religious background and state history, Ganas addresses various aspects of its culture that impact the culture at large, such as television, celebrity, politics, funerals, weddings, cars, and food. She concludes by encouraging readers to escape the intoxicating effects of California-ism by aligning themselves with the truth, beauty, and goodness that surpass understanding.